The cost of attending the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continues to fuel controversy. The debate gained momentum after Italian skiing star Sofia Goggia openly criticized what she described as prohibitive ticket prices and complicated logistics, warning that they could discourage local fans, especially when compared with the strong presence of international supporters.
Former Olympic champion Alberto Tomba echoed those concerns, pointing to the difficulty of moving between venues scattered across northern Italy. With competitions taking place from Milan to Alpine locations such as Cortina and Bormio, following multiple events can quickly become an expensive challenge.
Official price lists confirm the issue. Tickets for figure skating events in Assago start at around €260, while finals in several disciplines easily exceed €190. Even more exclusive is the closing ceremony in Verona, where only premium packages costing several thousand euros remain available.
Beyond tickets, accommodation and transportation costs add to the burden, particularly for spectators traveling from outside host cities. While organizers emphasize strong sales figures, the broader question remains unresolved: how many Italian fans will truly be able to experience the Games in person?